Hi there! I'm buying my first Western saddle and need some help with the pad(s). I've been using a Big Horn Cordura that belongs to the owner of the horse I was leasing, and she has a thick felt pad I use with it. I just bought a horse, though, and all I have is English pads, so I'm wondering if I can use my pads, and if not which to get.

Would you consider this one a good wool felt pad? Or is it a good idea to buy a more expensive one? Or what about this one?

Would something like this actually be better for him? Or are pads in this price range more of a "more expensive because they can be" kind of thing? I'm a heavy rider, so I want to make sure his back is protected.

Another question...assuming whatever saddle I buy fits the horse well, does a more expensive saddle generally mean better for the horse? I want to get a synthetic, and the ones I'm looking at are in the $300-400 range. I assume that excluding really cheap saddles that might have crappy trees, the price generally reflects the quality in terms of looks and durability, rather than impact on the horse. Is that correct? Should a well-fitting $350 saddle be as safe for my horse's back as a $900 saddle with the right fit and right pads?

I get that that fit is the most important thing, but what I'm wondering is whether a an expensive well-fitting saddle is better for your horse than an equally fitted cheap saddle. I don't know anything about what makes a saddle. Do expensive saddles typically have better shock-absorption, trees, etc?

Trust me, I'd rather spend less! I'm just trying to make sure there isn't a good reason to spend more.

I get that that fit is the most important thing, but what I'm wondering is whether a an expensive well-fitting saddle is better for your horse than an equally fitted cheap saddle. I don't know anything about what makes a saddle. Do expensive saddles typically have better shock-absorption, trees, etc?

Trust me, I'd rather spend less! I'm just trying to make sure there isn't a good reason to spend more.

I would look for a good used saddle from an excellent saddlemaker before I'd buy a new no name saddle. I detest Cordura, don't find they wear well, though they are light and easy to hose off. I came back full circle and now have a custom saddle that weighs quite a bit but it fits the horse and me and will last til the day I die. For that matter, they could bury it with me. It's worth every dime I saved up for it.

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